Packing for a move can feel like a giant game of Tetris—except everything you own is on the line. One of the simplest ways to make the entire moving process more efficient (and a lot less stressful) is by learning how to label your boxes properly. It might seem like a small detail, but trust us—when you’re surrounded by stacks of identical-looking boxes in your new home, clearly labeled ones will feel like a gift from your past self.
Whether you’re moving across town or hiring a moving company in Austin to help you relocate across the state, these tips will help you stay organized and make unpacking much smoother.
1. Label All Four Sides (and the Top!)
Don’t make the mistake of labeling just one side of the box. Once your boxes are stacked in a truck or in your new home, that one labeled side might be hidden. Label at least two opposite sides and the top so you can always see what’s inside—no matter how the box is positioned.
2. Be Specific
“Kitchen” is helpful, but “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” is better. Try to be as specific as possible when labeling, especially if you have several boxes going to the same room. Include a brief list of contents or groupings, like:
- Bedroom – Winter Clothes
- Office – Books and Cables
- Bathroom – Towels and Toiletries
This extra bit of detail can be a lifesaver when you’re hunting for one item before you’ve had the chance to fully unpack.
3. Use a Color-Coding System
This is especially helpful if multiple people are involved in the move or if you’re hiring professionals. Assign each room in your new home a color—say, blue for the kitchen, red for the master bedroom, green for the bathroom—and use colored tape, stickers, or markers to label each box accordingly.
Pro tip: Put a color-coded floor plan on the front door of your new place so movers can easily match boxes to rooms without asking a hundred questions.
4. Include Handling Instructions
If a box contains fragile items, write “FRAGILE” in bold letters (and maybe even highlight it). For heavier boxes, mark “HEAVY” so people know to lift with care. If a box should be kept upright, note “THIS SIDE UP.” Clear instructions reduce the chance of damage and make handling safer for everyone involved.
5. Number Your Boxes
This might sound a little type-A, but numbering your boxes can be incredibly helpful. Let’s say you have 10 boxes labeled for the kitchen. If you number them “Kitchen 1 of 10,” “Kitchen 2 of 10,” and so on, you’ll instantly know if something’s missing when you unpack.
You can even keep a master inventory list with the numbers and contents. If a box gets lost or delayed, you’ll know exactly what was inside.
6. Use Bold, Legible Writing
Markers fade. Stickers fall off. Use a thick, waterproof marker and write in large, bold letters. Avoid cursive or stylized handwriting—this isn’t the time to show off your penmanship. You want labels that can be read from across the room.
7. Consider Labeling by Priority
Some boxes will need to be opened right away—others can wait a few days (or weeks). Add a priority number or code, like:
- High Priority – Open immediately
- Medium Priority – Unpack within the first few days
- Low Priority – Can be stored or unpacked later
This helps streamline the unpacking process and prevents you from digging through every box just to find your coffee maker.
Proper labeling doesn’t just help you stay organized—it makes your entire move more efficient, from loading the truck to settling into your new place. If you’re working with a moving company, they’ll thank you for taking the time to label everything clearly. It saves them time and helps ensure your belongings are placed in the correct rooms right from the start.
With a little planning and a few good markers, labeling your boxes the right way can make a world of difference in how smoothly your move goes.
